Apparatus for marking checks.



' No. 865,050. PATENTED SEPT. 3, 1907.- 0. H. MARSTON &, H. H. CUMMINGS. APPARATUS FOR MARKING CHECKS.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE 7. 1907.

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Zflitmesses. 0 7x6 PATENTED SEPT. 3, 1907. G. H. MABSTGN G: H H. CUMMINGS. APPARATUS FOR MARKING CHECKS.

APPLIOATION FILED JUNE 7.1907.

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PAT

, I IENTED SEPT. 3, 1907. C. H, MARSTON 8; H. H, CUMMINGS.

APPARATUS FOR MARKING CHECKS.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE 7. 1907.

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i'rnirnn STATES PATENT CHARLES H. MARSTON, OF READING, AND HENRY H. CUMMINGS, Oi" NEWTON, M1 SSAtfllU- SETTS; SAID OUlrFMINGS ASSTGNO'H TO SAlD MARSTON.

APPARATUS FOR MARKING CHECKS.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Sept. 3, 1907.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that we, CHARLES H. MARsToN, of Reading, in the county of Middlesex and State of Massachusetts, and HENRY H. CUMMINGS, of Newton,

5 in the county of Middlcsex and State of Massachusetts, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Apparatus for Marking Checks, of which the following is a specification.

'i his invention has for its object to provide means for imprinting on the backs of bank checks the usual printed information which is placed on the check after its reception in the bank where it is payable, the printed information being usually applied by a rubber printing member, and giving the name of the bank,

the name of its cashier or other oflieer, the date, etc.

The information above referred to, for the sake of convenience, will be hereinafter called the printed indorsement. It is the usual practice to apply the printed indorsement to the checks by'a hand operated .rubber stamp. It is also customary in banks of any considerable size, to employ an adding machine which is caused to printon a record sheet the amounts represented by the checks handled during a given period, the adding machine being provided with keys which set the printing characters of the machine, and with an oscillatory lever which is manually moved in one direction by the operator, and is automatically moved by a spring or otherwise in the opposite direction when the operator releases it. The operator facing the machine, takes up the checks one by one, holding each check in one hand while manipulating the keys of the adding machine to adapt the machine to print the amount represented by the check. After the ma chine has been set to print the amount of one check, the operator moves the lever forward, and thus causes an impression by the printing mechanism of the amount of the check on the record sheet. releases the lever, it is automatically returned to its starting position, and the record sheet is at the same 40 time fed along. This operation is repeated for each check. Usually the operator of the adding machine does nothing but manipulate the adding machine in the manner described, to record the amounts of the checks on the record sheet, the printed indorscmcnts 4 5 being applied to the checks by an operation performed for this purpose alone, and at a different time. Q Our invention has for its object to enable the printed indorscments to be applied to the checks at the same time that the adding machine is being operated to record the amounts of the checks, thus saving the delay and loss of time involved when a separate operation apart from the adding machine is required for affixing the printed indor sementis I It has been proposed heretofore to combine with an adding: machine of the character above indicated, .a

When the operator fipplication filed June 7,1907- Serial No. 877,748.

stamping mechanism, which comprises a reciprocating stamp adapted to bemovcd toward and from a pile of checks, and to stamp the top check in the pile, the said reciprocating stamp being conncctod with the lever of'the adding machine in such manner that the GO forward movement of the lever by the operator causes the stamp to make an impression on the top check of the pile, the backward movement of the lever causing the return or retraction of the stamp to its starting position. l

Our invention is embodied in a-check marking appzu ratus in which a printing couple is employed, instead of a reciprocating stamp, so that the printed indorsemen'ts are impressed upon the cherks simply by the passage of the checks between the members of the printing couple, said members being rotated during one movement of the operating lever, and remaining at rest during the opposite movement, so that no rccip rocating movement of any part of the printing n1echanism is required, while the power required to operate the printing mechanism is reduced to the minimum, and the printing operation is in general more, advam tageously performed than heretofore.

.The invention also has for its object to provide an attachment adapted to be readily and conveniently applied to an adding machine of the character above indicated, without any substantial adaptation of the machine to the attachment, the attachment being sup ported wholly by the casing of the machine.

The invention consists in the improvements which we will now proceed to describe and claim.

Of the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this spccification,Figure 1 represents an end elevation of an adding machine provided with a check printing attachment embodying our invention. Fig. 2 rcprcsents an elevation of portions of the opposite end of the machine from that shown in Fig. l, and corresponding portions of the attachment embodying our invention. I Fig.3 represents a section on line 3-3 of Fig.2. Figs.

4 and 5 represent fragmentary views showing portions of the construction represented by Fig. 2 under different conditions. Fig. 6 reprcsents a transvcrse section of the printing couple'and the inking mechanism used in connection therewith, together with an elevation of parts of the printing attachment. Fig. 7 represents a section on line 7-7 of Fig. (5.

The same letters of reference indicate the same parts in all the figures.

In the drawings 12 represents the casing of an adding machine which may be of any suitable form, the form here shown being that of the B rroughs adding machine. I I i i 13 represents the oscillatoryoperating lover of the machine, said lever beingnormally held by a spring or otherwise, as ue ial in the position shown in full casing 12;

lines in Fig. 2, and adapted to be manually moved by an impression member or roll 15, and bed member or roll 16, these members being of cylindrical form, and geared together to form a couple of rotation. The impression member 15 is provided with a segmental printing form or plate 17, which may be of elastic material.

and adapted to impress the printed indorsement upon the under surface of a check 18 passed between the two members. The printing couple is located at. the end oi the machine opposite the end at. which the operating lever 13 is located. intermediate mechanism is eniploycd, which is organized to impart rotation to the mcmlmrs oi the printing couple during one of the above described movements of the operating lever, and to allow the members oi' he printing couple to stand at rest during the. opposite movement of the operating lever. In the embodiment. of our invention here shown, the said intcrnieiziate mechanism causes the rotation of the printing couple during the forward movement of the lever caused by the operator/the couple being at rest d tiring the return movement oi the lcver caused by the retracting spring. The best organization oithe said intermediate mechanism at present known to us will be n :(t described.

19 represents a shaft which extends across the machine from end to end, one end portion of the shaft being iournsled in a bearing formed in a bearing plate or member 26, which is attached by screws or otherwise to the end 05 the casing 12 adjacent to the operating lever. re opposite end portion of the shaft 19 is jour naled in a bearing plate or member 21, affixed by screws or otherwise to the opposite end portion oi the 22 represents a rack bar pivoted at 23 to an ear 24 which is ailixed to the operating lever 13, said car being preferably adapted to be detachably secured to the lever, thecars being shown in Fig. 2 as provided with a recess, the ends 25 of which bearing on opposite edges of the lever, and a set screw 26 which engages the lever. The rack bar 22 is provided with a guide flange 27 having a slot 28 through which the shaft 19 passes.

29 represents a smallv gear or pinion mounted to rotate loosely on the shaft 19, and meshing with the rack '22. To the pinion 29 is affixed a collar 30 having a ratchet tooth or clutch member 31. i

32 represents an arm having a hub which is rigidly attached bya pin 33 to the shaft 19. To the arm 32 is pivotaliy' connected a dog or complemcntal clutch member 34 adapted to engage the clutch member 31 when the pinion 29 is rotated in the direction indicated i by the arrow in Fig. 4;, thus causing the rotation of the shaft 19. When the pinion is rotated in the opposite direction, as indicated in Fig. 5, the clutch member 31 slips by the complemental member 34 without engaging it. V i i It will be seen from the foregoing that when the operssspso ating lever 13 is moved from the position shown in full lines to the position shown in dotted lines in Fig. 2, the rack b ar 22 is'moved in the direction indicated in Fig. 1, and causes the rotation of the pinion in the direction required to engage the two clutch members 31 and 34, and rotate the shaft 19, the rotation of the shaft being imparted to the printing couple, as hereinafter described. When the operating lever is returned to the position shown in full lines, the rack bar more; in the direction indicated in Fig. 5,"causing a reversal of the movement of the clutch member 3! 30th: does not engage the member 3a, the shaft is thin-fore remaining at rest.

35 represents a sprocket wheel attached to tho cud ot' the shalt l9 nearest the printing couple. A sprocket chain 36 connects the wheel 35 with a similar sprocket wheel 38 aliixcd to the member 16 of the printing couple. The motion imparted tot-he shaft 19,-

above described, is transmitted through the said sprocket wheels and chain to the member 16 ot the printing couple, and from the latter to the member 15 by gears 39 and 410 which connect the said members; The printing couple is therefore rotated during each forward movcmcnt of the operating lever, the rotation oi said members being in the direction indicated by the arrowsiu Fig. 6, so that a check presented to the nip of the members of the printing couple, will be fed betweenfsaid members by their rotation, and delivered at the back side of the printing couple, where a receptacle 41 is provided for the reception .of the printed checks. The printing couple remains at rest during the return movement of the operating lever. The mcchanism which transmits motion from the operating lever to the printing couple is so timed thatthe members ol'the couple come to rest in the exact position required for the proper reception of the next check to be printed. 1

The impression member 16 of the printing-couple is provided with a longitudinal recess 42 in its periphery,

one side of said recess forming a stop or projection for the advancing edge of the check presented to the couple.

43 43 are arms which project from the back side of thercccss 42 partly across the same in-position to sup port the forward edge of the check presented to the printing couple. I

44 represents an inclined table,;which is so arranged relatively to the printing couple as to guide a check to the nip of the rolls forming said couple.

When the machine is at rest and the operating lever 'in its normal position, the members of the printing couple are in the position shown in Fig. 6. the recess 42 and arms -13 being in position to arrest and support the advancing edge of a check which is placed upon the table 44. \Yhcn the members of the printing couple are rotated, they grasp the check, and feed it along while printing it. the check being deposited in the receptacle 4i. 7

45 represents an ink rcscrvo r supported by the bcar' ing mcmbcr 21. g I

46 represents an ink-raising roll, which rotat cs' in the reservoir, and is preforu ply con'iposed of a metal body having a smoothly polished periphery, so that it will take up only a thin film of ink from the reservoir. 7

19 roprcrmts an intermediate inking roll located between the roll at; and the impression roll or member 15 of the printing couple, the intermediate roll 47 having a yielding periphery, and being adapted to transfer inl; from the roll it; to the impression 'plate 17 of the printing couple. To the rolls 47 and 46 are affixed inter-meshing gears 48 and -19, the gear 48 meshing with the gear iii on the member 15 of the printing couple. The bearing member 21 is provided with a plurality of studs 50, on which the rolls composing the printing couple and inking mechanism are mounted to rotate, the gears 39, 40, 48 and 49, which form the train causing the rotation of said rolls, being attached to the rolls, and mounted on said studs, as shown in Fig. 7. A receptacle 51, adapted to hold a pile of checks, is supported by a bracket 52 at the front side ol" the printing couple,

said bracket being atlixed to the bearing member 21, The checks in the holder 51 are in convenient position to be picked up one by one by the operator, and deposited on the table 44 after being listed. The check to an adding machine by screwing thobearing members i 20 and 2] to the ends of the casing, and clamping the car 24 to the operating lever, an operation which is very simple, and requires but a slight adaptation of the easing by forming screw holes therein. It is obvious, however, that when the printing mechanism is applied to new machines, the bearing members 20 and 21 may be integral parts of the casing of themachine.

To insure the arrest of the members of the printing couple in the position shown in Fig. 6, which is the correct position for receiving a check, I provide the flange 27 of the rack bar 22 with a stop member or pin 55, and the shaft 19 with a stop member 56, which may be a prolongation of the pin 33 shown in Fig. 3. Said stop members are so arranged that when the rack bar reaches its extreme forward position, as shown by dotted lines in Fig. 2, the stop member 55 will be in the path of the stop member 56, and arrest the same, thus stopping the rotation of the shaft 19, with the members of the print- 2). In combination, an adding machine having an oscillatory operating lover. a printing couple, and intermediate connections between the lever and the printing couple, comprising a shaft, and means for imparting rotary motion to said shaft from the lever during one, of the movements or the lever, said means being inoperative during the opposite movement of. the lever.

4. In combination, an adding machine having an oscilla l()l operating lever, a printing couple, and intermediate conncc ons between-tho lever and the printing couple, comprising a shaft located above the printing couple, means for imparting rotary motion to the shaft from the lover during one of the movements of the lever only, and

means for imparting rotary motion from the shaft to the printing couple.

In combination, an adding machine huviur nn oscillatory operating lever, a printing couple, a shaft engaged with the printing couple, and connections between the shaft and the lever whereby the shaft is iuizlittl only during one of the movements of the lever, said connections comprising a rack bar hinged to the lover, a pinion meshing with the rack and mounted to rotate loosely on the shaft, said pinion carrying, a clutch member, and a com plemental clutch member carried by the shaft, and adapted to engage the first mentioned clutch memberduring a movement of the pinion in one direction.

6. In combination, an adding machine haviup an oscillatory operating lever located at one end of the machine casing, printing mechanism supported by the casing, and located at the opposite end thereof, a shaft jonrimlcd in hearings on the casing and extending across the same, connections between the shaft and lover, and connections between the shaft and the printing mechanism.

7. In combination, an adding machine having an oscilla- -tor v operating lever located at one end of the machine casing, a printing couple supported by the casing and located at the opposite end thereof, means for imparting motion from the lever to the printing couple, and a table for guiding a check to the nip of the members of the couple, one or said members having a longitudinal recess in its periphery, forming a check stop, and cheek-suppi'u'ting arms projecting partly across said recess.

8. A check printing attachment adapted for engagement with the casing and operating lever of an adding machine, and comprising bearing members adapted to be attached to said casing, a printing couple cnrried'by one (if-said bearing members, a shaft ,iournaled in the bearing memhers, connections between the shaft and the printing couple, and means for connecting .the shaft with the operating lever.

9. A check printing attachmeht adapted for engagement with the casing and operating lever of an adding machine, and comprising bearing members adppted to/be attached to said casing, a printing couple comprising a bed roll and an impression roll rotatively mounted on one of said hearing members, inkingrolls mounted on the lastmentib'ned bearing member and adapted to ink the printing face of the impression roll, a train of gearing connecting said tions between the shaft and the said train, and means for connecting the shaft with the operating lever.

10. A check printing attachment adapted for engagement with the casing and operating lever of an adding machine, and comprising bearing members adapted to be attached to said casing, a printing couple carried by one of saidbearing members, a shaft journaied in the bearing members, connections between the shaft and the printing couple, means for connecting the shaft with the operating lever, and two check receptacles supported by the bearing member which carries the printing couple, one of said re ceptacles being at the front and the other at the rear of the printing couple.

11. In combination, an adding machine having an oscil- Iatory operating lever, a printing couple supported by the casing of the machine, a shaft journaled in hearings on the casing and connected with the printing couple, connections between the shaft and the operating lever whereby the shaft and printing couple are rotated during a forward movement of the lever, and are left at rest during the return movement of the lever, said connect-ions in cluding a bar pivoted to the operating 'lever and movable longitudinally thereby, and stop members arrierl by the shaft, and by the bar, and adapted to arrest the shaft 

